What is the UART data framing error?
Technical Blog / Author: icDirectory United Kingdom / Date: Jun 24, 2024 02:06
A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) data framing error occurs when the receiver detects that the expected structure of a data frame is not maintained during transmission. This can lead to incorrect data being received, as the framing error indicates a problem with the synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver.

## Detailed Explanation of UART Data Framing Error


## Standard UART Frame Structure:


A typical UART data frame consists of the following components:

1. Start Bit: A single bit used to signal the beginning of a data frame. The start bit is always a logical '0' (low voltage level).
2. Data Bits: The actual data being transmitted, which can be 5 to 9 bits long (commonly 8 bits).
3. Parity Bit (Optional): An additional bit used for error checking. It can be even, odd, mark, or space parity.
4. Stop Bit(s): One or more bits indicating the end of the data frame. Stop bits are always logical '1' (high voltage level).

## Causes of Framing Errors:


A framing error occurs when the UART receiver does not detect the expected stop bit(s) at the end of the data frame. Several factors can cause this issue:

1. Baud Rate Mismatch: If the transmitter and receiver are operating at different baud rates, the timing of the bits may not align correctly, leading to framing errors.
2. Noise and Interference: Electrical noise or interference on the communication line can cause bits to flip, leading to incorrect detection of the start, data, parity, or stop bits.
3. Incorrect Configuration: Misconfiguration of UART settings, such as the number of data bits, parity, or stop bits, can result in framing errors.
4. Clock Drift: Over time, the internal clocks of the devices might drift, causing desynchronization.

## Detection of Framing Errors:


The UART receiver continuously monitors the incoming data stream. After detecting the start bit, it samples the data bits, optional parity bit, and stop bit(s). If the expected stop bit(s) are incorrect (i.e., not detected as a logical '1'), a framing error is flagged.

## Handling Framing Errors:


When a framing error is detected, several actions can be taken to handle the situation:

1. Error Flagging: The UART receiver sets an error flag in its status register to indicate that a framing error has occurred. This flag can be checked by software to take appropriate action.
2. Discarding Data: The erroneous data frame is typically discarded, as it cannot be reliably interpreted.
3. Resynchronization: The receiver might attempt to resynchronize with the transmitter by waiting for the next valid start bit.

## Example Handling in Embedded Systems:


In an embedded system, handling framing errors often involves checking the UART status register for error flags and implementing error recovery mechanisms. Here is a simple example in C:

```c
#define UART_STATUS_FRAMING_ERROR (1

icDirectory United Kingdom | https://www.icdirectory.co.uk/a/blog/what-is-the-uart-data-framing-error.html
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